Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households a $30 per month discount for internet service, and potentially $100 in a one-time discount for a digital device. For many folks, this means FREE internet service.

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Attention Enrollment Pause: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 8, 2024. The program will have an enrollment pause until further notice. For information about low-cost internet options near you, please use this link, or contact us by phone at 617-635-2743 or email at Digital.Equity@boston.gov for further assistance.

What is it?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that helps eligible households meet their digital needs.

The program provides $30 per month for broadband and a one-time discount of $100 towards a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. If you pay $30 or less for internet service, your bill will be reduced to $0 every month! (The ACP is limited to one service and one device discount per household. A "household" is a group of people who live together and share money. Those who live together and do not share money are separate households.)

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit an Application One of Three Ways

How to Apply

1) Online at GetInternet.gov through the "National Verifier" service.

To apply online, you need an email address.
You must create an application account using a username and password.
- You will receive application updates from "National Verifier" via email. If you cannot finish your application, you are able to save it and return later.
You may be asked to upload supporting documentation, like a tax statement, Social Security statement, or other program document that has your information and a date on it. More examples can be found here.
- Any document must be the most up-to-date version.

2) Through the mail in either English or Spanish.

Printable mail-in applications can be found linked above and on the right side of this page.
You do not need an email address to apply through the mail.
You can include supporting documents with your application when you mail it.

3) Through a participating provider directly.

Use this online tool to find participating providers near you.

Step 2: Contact Your Internet Provider to Apply the Discount to Your Bill

After your application is approved, you must take the application ID number that is assigned to you and ask your internet provider to add the discount to your bill. The ID number starts with a letter and is followed by ten numbers. Once your company does this, you will see a "-$30" charge on your bills for the foreseeable future.

Please note: Applying online is the fastest method. You will hear back within minutes, and will receive an application ID number right after applying. Applying through the mail can take at least two weeks to hear back, and you will not receive an application ID number until you receive a response.

Step 3: Recertify Every Year

You only have to apply and enroll once, but you must utilize your internet service regularly and provide proof of eligibility annually, otherwise you will lose the benefit.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

The ACP benefit can only be applied to the internet portion of your bill.
- This is relevant if you receive a "bundle" from your company (e.g., internet, cable, and phone).
This discount can be applied to either your home internet bill or your mobile service bill, whichever you prefer (so long as your company participates in the ACP).
If you pay $30 or less for internet service, you will get FREE internet service with the ACP.
Folks who also receive the Lifeline phone service are automatically eligible for the ACP and can combine the $9.25 they receive for Lifeline with the $30 they receive from ACP to save a total of $39.25 each month.
If you no longer qualify for the ACP or if you change your internet provider, you must notify your current internet provider within 30 days.

If you have any issues with the ACP, you can ask a question or file a complaint through the FCC website.

Who is Eligible?

Qualifying Criteria

Households only need to meet one of these to qualify

Households with an income at or below 200% of the national poverty line:

Households where any member receives any of the following programs:
- SNAP
- Medicaid (MassHealth)
- WIC
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance

Veterans and Survivors Benefits
A Tribal assistance program
A school lunch or breakfast program
Lifeline
Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Meets the requirements for a participating provider's existing low-income program